Balancing Academics while studying abroad
BY Sneha Rao
I get it – everyone's like, "Go abroad, it's the ultimate GPA boost, an easy 4.0!" It's tempting, right? But here's the thing: that GPA boost can sometimes overshadow the real value of being in a new country. I fell into that trap too, expecting a cakewalk of studies and planning to jet off every weekend. Reality hit differently when I got here. It wasn't a breeze, but it wasn't impossible either. I want to share my experience on juggling academics, travel, and still keeping your mental health in check.
Importance in choosing your schedule
When picking classes, it's tempting to load up on requirements. But, if you're planning weekend getaways, balance is key. Taking FOF, M&O, Texts and Ideas, and Spanish might seem doable, but remember to prioritize time for sleep, meals, connecting with loved ones, and most importantly, self-care.
Everyone has to take a Spanish class based on their placement test score. These language classes often have frequent exams, usually every other week, with occasional writing or smaller oral exams. A great resource is the Spanish tutors provided by NYU, and using them in advance can make a significant difference.
For the other three classes, aim for a balance between core requirements and a potential elective—two core requirements and one elective are a good balance. Like in New York, attend office hours, connect with your professors, and make sure they know you. Classes in Madrid are smaller, and attendance is mandatory, so your professors will know your face. However, building relationships with my professors has been a highlight of my study abroad, and learning about their life in Madrid as well. From Monday to Thursday, there will be a lot of focus on academics, but remember there's also life. Madrid has tons to offer, but you want to explore it without drawing in work.
Utilizing Cafes!
One of the coolest things I've discovered in Madrid is the abundance of aesthetically pleasing cafes that stay open late. Right by the NYU Madrid campus building, you'll find some of my favorite spots. Quick heads up, though—most of them don't offer wifi. On the bright side, they're usually open until 11 or 12 in the night. Personally, being stuck in my dorm or school all day isn't something that is productive for me. Therefore, finding a couple of great spots near campus or the dorm is the key to having a go-to place when you need to buckle down for a project.
Health and Wellness!
Finding a way to destress in a new environment is crucial, and here were some of the methods that worked for me!
I wasn't much of a walker before coming to Madrid; usually, I'd just look outside and that would count for me. But the first time I strolled was out of necessity—the metro was delayed, no cabs in sight. During that walk, I kept my eyes away from my phone and admired the incredible architecture around me. Madrid's laid-back vibe encourages you to slow down, notice your surroundings, and it helped me realize that there's a whole world of opportunities out there—all I had to do was step outside.
Secondly, I found solace in discovering a cute dessert place to satisfy my sweet cravings. Back in NY, I had my go-to spots, but in Madrid, it was all uncharted territory. Fortunately, the array of dessert places on Gran Vía (just a 10-minute walk from campus) became my new favorites.
Lastly, not everyone may resonate with this, but talking to the wellness counselor on campus has been a game-changer for me. Therapy has always been a crucial tool in coping with stress, and before going abroad, many therapists are unable to see you when you’re abroad. Lucky for me, NYU provides a wellness counselor for weekly meetings. Starting with someone new can be challenging, especially knowing it's not a long-term arrangement, but studying abroad comes with countless challenges, and her expertise has been invaluable in navigating them.
Studying abroad's a rollercoaster, with its highs and lows. But trust me, in the end, it's like this life-changing journey that throws curveballs at you, revealing sides of yourself you never knew were there.
